Most flights and trains tend to arrive in the late morning, and I never schedule an arrival on a weekday without setting aside the whole day for recovery. Not only is it exhausting to travel, but Sarnath is also quite far, and I always leave it for the afternoon when I know people are more well-rested. You should have plenty of time to explore this important archaeological site on the banks of the river, including its most famous monument - the Dhamek Stupa. It’s a massive brick structure that rises some 44 m into the air and surrounds the traditional brick-and-tile pagoda, a temple complex with a rich history dating back to the Mauryan period. Many westerners I meet on this tour are surprised to hear that it includes Mulagandha Kuti Vihar with its’ remarkably preserved early 20th century Japanese frescoes by artist Kosetsu Nosu, the inside walls of which are decorated with traditional Japanese motifs. We’ll spend the day capped off at Deer Park, which I recommend leaving before 6 pm because it closes promptly at that time. Overnight in Varanasi at a hotel convenient to the ghats.

This is the day I always make sure is focused on Varanasi itself, and not the surrounding region. This tour has very few extra attractions, and the few exceptions are reserved for those who wish to partake in an optional sunrise boat ride (around 5:30 am). A visit to Kashi Vishwanath Temple is a must, but I always recommend being prepared for security checks as you enter through gate 4 - many of my clients have found it helpful to arrive on foot with a phone deposit and a cleared bag. In the evening we can see the Ganga Aarti, a spectacular ritual held on the bank of the river that involves millions of tiny burning lamps across dozens of ghats - the best view from Dashashwamedh Ghat, although the steps there should be avoided if this is your first time or you are traveling with children. If you want to avoid the crowds altogether, you can see the show from inside a boat for an additional fee. Second night in Varanasi.

This day is always my favorite because of how surprising the change of pace can be. Varanasi to Bodhgaya is a six to seven hour drive, although construction on the road near the Bihar border often adds several more, and I always advise leaving after breakfast at around 7 am not expecting to arrive before noon. This town has a markedly more relaxed pace than what I find in Varanasi, and if the road conditions permit I’ll suggest walking the perimeter of the Mahabodhi Temple complex before dinner on the day of our arrival if there is still daylight. Overnight in Bodhgaya, right next to the temple complex.

I always try to visit the Mahabodhi Temple early in the morning, before 7 am, while still having enough daylight to see the complex. The most notable feature of this temple is, of course, the Bodhi tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment, but few of my clients are aware that it was actually planted later in the lineage - the monks at the temple complex are always happy to tell you the story. On this day, I usually give you some free time in the afternoon to visit places of your choice or suggest visiting the neighboring Thai, Tibetan, and Bhutanese monasteries, each of which has a unique architectural style. Second night in Bodhgaya.

We’ll leave Bodhgaya at around 7 am for another six to seven hour drive to Varanasi, meaning I suggest planning your flights or trains for later in the evening. Most of my clients find that there are very few sights to see during this leg of the trip, and I always tell them so outright - I think it’s important not to waste time pretending that day five isn’t mostly a return journey. You should also have a couple of hours to relax during your stay in Varanasi before the transfer to the airport or bus station. And this concludes my Buddhist Circuit Tour Package Varanasi Sarnath Bodhgaya - 5 Days Itinerary, which involves two states and two major road trips.